<p>Considers how interest in patterns and pattern languages has been on the upswing, fueled by the realization among software developers that they must simplify the process of building increasingly large and complex systems. Patterns are forms for describing architectural constructs in a manner that emphasizes these constructs' potential for reuse. They provide a way to document and share design expertise in an application-independent fashion. As evidence of this growing interest, early in August more than 70 software practitioners gathered to discuss patterns and pattern languages at the first annual conference on Pattern Languages of Programs.</p>